Free Faerie Tale by Raymond Feist Page B

ago.”
    “On the calendar of the Church, it’s the twenty-fourth,” said Gloria. “The nativity of St. John the Baptist.”
    Phil said, “I’ve read
A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Ithought it was just … a night in the middle of summer.
    Agatha said, “There are three days supposedly special to fairies: May first, June twenty-fourth, and November first. This is a night of power and celebration according to legend.”
    “What are the other two days? I know the first of November is All Saints’, but what about the first of May?”
    “May Day,” ventured Gary. “Fairies are Marxists.”
    Over the groans of the others, Agatha said, “It’s the day after Walpurgis Night, just as All Saints’ follows Halloween. Both are Moving Days.”
    When the others looked uncomprehending, Mark Blackman said, “In the Irish tradition, the fairies move from place to place on those two days. We’re speaking of the Trooping Fairies. Shakespeare had them staying forever in the night:
“‘And we fairies, that do run
By the triple Hecate’s team,
From the presence of the sun,
Following darkness like a dream.’”
    “But he’s alone in that view. According to tradition, the fairies live for six months in a stand of woods, then move to another, perhaps on the other side of the world. And they make the move in one night.”
    Mark again quoted Shakespeare:
“‘We the globe can compass soon,
Swifter than the wandering moon.’”
    “It’s why fairy stories abound everywhere. Over the ages the fairies have lived in every part of the world,” said Aggie. “If you believe in them.”
    “And tonight’s a special night for them?” ventured Gabbie with a laugh.
    “According to legend,” agreed Agatha. “They’ll be throwing a grand party tonight.”
    Turning to Jack, Gabbie said, “Let’s go out to that fairy mound we saw the other day. Maybe we’ll see the party.”
    “I wouldn’t,” said Mark. All eyes turned to regard him. “Those woods are pretty dangerous in the dark.”
    Gloria looked alarmed. “How do you mean, dangerous?”
    Gabbie made a face. “Ghosts? Indian spirits?”
    “Gabbie, let him answer,” snapped Gloria. Gabbie flushed and was about to retort when she saw Jack shaking his head and indicating the boys, who sat in rapt attention. Suddenly she understood Gloria’s worry, and she felt silly. “Why are the woods dangerous, Mark? Wild animals?”
    Mark smiled and tried to look reassuring. “No, nothing like that. No bears or wolves in ages. Nothing much bigger than a weasel or fox since the turn of the century. Just, it’s easy to get lost there and there are a lot more woods than you’d think and they’re pretty dense in places.” Mark turned to Aggie. “Remember Reno McManus? He got lost taking a shortcut in the dark, fell down an embankment, and broke his hip. It was two days before anyone found him. Died of exposure. And he’d lived all his life in the area. It’s just a bad idea to be poking about in the woods after dark, that’s all I meant.”
    Agatha said, “Reno McManus was a drunk, and he could have gotten lost in his own bathtub. If Jack and Gabbie take a light and stay to the path, they should have no trouble.” Her eyes were merry as she cast a glance at the youngsters, indicating Mark was being obtuse in not seeing they wanted some time alone together.
    Mark said, “Well that’s true.” He let the conversation fall off.
    Agatha rose. “Let’s retire to the parlor, like civilized folk, and we can continue this lovely evening.” She glanced at Jack. “Fetch the brandy, won’t you?”
    They left the dining room and were soon all settled comfortably in the parlor, where the talk turned to other topics. Gloria, sitting next to Phil, glanced at the boys, who were being considerably less obstreperous thanusual. There was something she had meant to ask them earlier at the table, but she couldn’t remember what it was. She let the thought slip away.

13
    Gabbie and Jack